Introduction Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an inherited, autosomal recessive condition that results from a mutation in the β-globin gene. Vascular occlusion is the underlying mechanism behind a myriad of complications encountered. This vascular occlusion is primarily caused by the increased tendency of red blood cells (RBC) to adhere to the vascular endothelium, and the activation of platelets and total leucocyte count (TLC), hence the need for a steady-state haematological profile in these patients. Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted over four months at a sickle cell clinic. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit, platelet, TLC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of the subjects were recorded and analysed. Results Ninety-nine subjects aged 1-18 years were recruited for the study. There were 53 (53.5%) males. Leucocytosis was seen in 80 (80.8%), anaemia in 99 (100%), and thrombocytosis in 30 (30.3%) patients. The mean Hb, TLC and platelets were 7.9 ± 1.3g/dl, 14.3 ± 4.5 x 10 3 /mm 3 and 391.5 ± 182.6 x 10 3 /mm 3 respectively. Mean MCV, MCH and MCHC were 81.3 ± 7.1 fl, 28.6 ± 2.9 pg and 35.2 ± 1.7 g/dl respectively. Children aged one to four years had the highest TLC (p=0.002) but the lowest mean Hb and platelet (p=0.094 and 0.06) respectively. The mean MCV, MCH and MCHC were lowest in children aged one to four years (p=0.047, 0.001 and 0.001). Conclusion Anaemia, leucocytosis and thrombocytosis are characteristics features of children with SCA, especially in male and younger subjects. Although Iron markers are generally normal in children with SCA, those under the age of five years tend to have lower values.
Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a middle ear condition characterized by the accumulation of serous fluid. It is common, though not exclusive; among children with its attendant developmental consequence if missed or untreated in early life. OME could be managed surgically, pharmacologically, or physiologically. EarPopper is a medical device developed for physiologic management of OME, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and related problems. We aim to ascertain the suitability/efficiency of EarPopper® device for the treatment of OME in our setting. Methodology: This is a prospective interventional study of volunteers diagnosed with OME from four (4) medical centers in Abuja. Pneumatic otoscopy, video-otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure-tone audiometry were done to confirm the diagnosis. Serial EarPopper sessions were performed twice weekly for 2–12 weeks, and outcome was assessed using patients’ reports. The reports include the EarPopper scoring system (ESS) and audiometric parameters (before and after therapy). Results: Forty-five patients (17 males and 28 females) aged between 3–56 years were enrolled. Thirty-five were diagnosed with bilateral OME and 10 unilateral. All patients had Type-B tympanometry tracing with mild-to-moderate conductive hearing losses and ESS of between 2.45% and 84%. Out of the 45 participants, 32 (71.1%) completed the treatment, whereas 13 (28.9%) were lost to follow-up. Duration of EarPopper treatment ranged from 2 to 12 weeks. The outcome revealed improvement in 26/32 (81.3%) with significant reduction in ESS (1% to 9.8%). Six patients 6/32 (18.9%) had persistence symptoms. These 18.9% had the propensity to progress to chronic OME. Conclusion: This study highly suggests good prospect in using EarPopper for the management of OME among Africans.
Background: Prisoners are prone to many diseases and their complications. In most countries, prisoners are neglected, so also their ear health. This study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of wax impaction among inmates of a prison in Kaduna Nigeria.Participants and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of prison inmates at the Kaduna convict prison and a control population. All consented inmates aged 18 -55years in the Kaduna convict prison were enrolled. Equal number of controls matched for age and gender were enrolled from the communities in Kaduna North Local Government. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants had thorough physical examination of the ear as well as otoscopy to assess the external auditory canal for presence of impacted wax. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyse the data. Test of significance was conducted with chi square test.Results: Four hundred and thirty inmates and equal number of controls matched for age and gender were enrolled for the study. The mean age for the inmates and controls were 29.7±8.1 years and 30.47±8.02 years respectively. In both groups 47 females and 383 males were enrolled, with a F:M of 1:8.1. Prisoners had wax impaction in 56 (13.0%) right ears and 55(12.8%) left ears while the general population had wax impaction in 56(13.0%) and 58(13.5%) right and left ears, respectively. Conclusion:Wax impaction showed no preponderance between the inmates and the general population.
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